§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms are in arrears with their annual returns to Companies House, categorised by the length of time of arrears of over three years, over two years and over one year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 24 July to my hon. Friend the Member for Hertfordshire West. The detailed figures requested by the hon. Gentleman are:
Number of Companies Per cent. of register of active companies Active 786,000 100.0 Up to date with the filing of returns 693,000 88.2 Not up to date with the filing of annual returns (ie in default) 93,000 11.8 In default for one year or less 73,000 9.3 In default for between one and two years 9,500 1.2 In default for between two and three years 3,600 0.5 In default for more than three years 6,600 0.8